Shall we gather at the … ocean?

Blessings and joy spread with the sharing of loaves and fishes.

Cheryl Tanner of Bluffton is the epitome of jubilation after being baptized in the Atlantic Ocean. Lowcountry Community Church staff members Jason Best, left, church executive director, Aaron Friesen, director of Middle School Ministries and Pastor Bob Calhoun assisted in her baptism Sunday.

Rising up out of the warm water, 37 newly baptized Christians were joyously cheered by family and friends gathered Sunday at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

The celebrations began in the corner of the soccer fields at Chaplin State Park on Hilton Head Island where the Lowcountry Community Church hosted a feast and finished with baptism by immersion at the beach. The church has two campuses, one in Bluffton and the other on the island.

For those being baptized, it was a personal choice and a step on their journey to a spiritual relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The four age groups were presented following the feast donated and catered by Carrabba's Italian Grill. Three middle schoolers, three high school students, 10 elementary age youngsters and 21 adults were introduced one by one.

"It's always great to see kids who understand that their relationship to God is the first and most important thing to do," said Vinnie Embry, children's pastor, "and that they're willing to stand in front of 200-300 people and say 'This is what I believe and this is what I want to do with my life.'"

It was shyness and not lack of knowledge that made Shayne Eason, 6, a little reticent. With the help of her mother, the Okatie Elementary School student was able to explain what was important.

"I like to keep little kids safe," Shayne said. "I believe in Jesus."

Emily Shea, 8, was surrounded by her "support group" of Delanie and Addie Powell, her mother explained, and was more forthcoming with her reasons.

"I'm getting baptized to show people I believe in Jesus," Emily said. "He died for us to have eternal life."

Aaron Friesen, director of Middle School Ministries for LCC, said it has been great to see the changes in his charges.

"We've seen them over the past year completely change spiritually and mature," Friesen said. "And it's not just here but the way they treat their friends, their family, in school."

Laura Manning of Okatie, one of the adults baptized, said she has always been spiritual and God has become a greater part of her life.

"Basically, because the last couple of years God has done wonderful things in my life," she said. "God's my savior."

The rain having held off, the celebrations had a definite party atmosphere with friends greeting one another and strangers sharing ground space during the meal. Then it was time for a community prayer and the trek to the sea.

Perhaps the most telling feeling of joy and faith was the moment when each participant, having been fully immersed with the assistance of LCC staff, was brought up out of the water and greeted with applause, laughter, tears and hugs.

Bluffton seventh grader Adrian Elizondo was one of those. With a big smile on his face, Adrian was hugged by his father, Randall, who had an even bigger smile for his son.

"I wanted to take the next step in being in touch with God," Adrian said. "It will influence me in not doing anything bad that will harm my life in any way, shape or form."

The decision to be baptized was Adrian's alone but the family had many conversations, according to Randall.

"We teach these things at home and we have talked a lot about it," he said. "We are Christians and we have to follow the commandments Jesus gave to us."

Comments are welcome, so long as they are civil. A Facebook account is required. Abuse may result in the commenter being permanently blocked. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any comments at any time.